Stephen F. Carter
Stephen F. Carter: October 29, 1943 - January 26, 2021
By Billy Crawford
billyecrawford@gmail.com
Steve Carter graduated from University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge. He continued his education at LSU in 1961 where he was a three-time Athlete of the Year, while also serving as Student Government Association President in 1965. During his time at LSU, he was a three-year letterman, team captain for two years, on the LSU Tennis Team coached by legendary W.T. "Dub" Robinson.
After graduation in 1967, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. During his military career, he was a member of the Air Force Tennis Team that competed against other military branches in the Armed Forces Championships. Jimmy Parker, who many of you know, was a member of the team.
After his Honorable Discharge as a Captain in 1971, Steve began his career with the LSU Athletic Department as Assistant Athletic Director. A few years later he was named Head Coach of the LSU Tennis Team. Twice he was selected SEC Coach of the Year and brought LSU to their first SEC Championship in 43 years.
Drew Meyers shared this story. "Coach was a very talented and smart guy. He recruited me and then coached me at LSU. He challenged his players and worked them extremely hard. His teams always competed like 'Fightin Tigers.' His players loved him. Coach Carter was a player's coach."
In 1979, Steve channeled his love for tennis and working with children into founding and leading Pelican Tennis Camp where over the following summers camps over 10,000 youth from throughout the South participated in the advancement of athletic and leadership skills. Steve had daily reminders of these years at camp, as warm greetings and memories came almost daily when running into former campers.
He returned to LSU as an Associate Athletic Director in 1987 under then Athletic Director Joe Dean, and retired in 1996.
After his retirement, Steve worked for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, was named to the University High Hall of Fame, and inducted into the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006.
Billy Crawford remembers the night of the induction in 2006. “Callie and I were then living in New Orleans. His wife Gloria arranged for a large motor home to bring family members and friends from Baton Rouge to the Induction Ceremony held at the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club. I was picked up in front of the Columns Hotel--joining in on a "joyous party going on." It was also a special night since Ron Holmberg, the well-known Tulane tennis player and esteemed tennis coach, was also inducted. When Ron learned of Steve's death from Covid-19, he sent his condolences and was shocked and saddened.
Lester Sack, also a member of the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame, remembered Steve, " I was a fan of Steve's and will miss his very pleasant, smiling, friendly attitude."
Lester, we all will.